Xuantan, China

With a population of just 69,250, Xuantan is a sleepy backwater that offers little to entice most foreigners. The once-renowned Zhengyici Peking Opera Theatre may be a "living relic," but it's also a persistent headache, having undergone repeated closures and renovations over the years. Those seeking an authentic Chinese cultural experience would be better off in a larger, more vibrant city. Xuantan is best suited for retirees or remote workers content with a slow pace of life and willing to navigate the bureaucratic hassles.